Brazilian aluminium industry to benefit from Equinor's solar power project

Norwegian energy firm Equinor has reached a final investment decision for $430 million in Brazil's 531MW Mendubim solar project. It is a joint venture project between Scatec, Hydro Rein, and Equinor in Rio Grande do Norte.

In a 20-year power purchase agreement, Alunorte, one of the world's largest alumina suppliers for the aluminium industry, has already agreed to buy about 60% of the PV project's electricity. However, the remainder will be sold in the Brazilian domestic market.

There will be an annual production of approximately 1.2TWh, equivalent to 620,000 Brazilian households' electricity consumption. In addition, it is expected to generate more than 1,000 direct and indirect jobs during construction.

Olav Kolbeinstveit, Senior Vice-President at Equinor Renewables Power and Markets, said: “With the Mendubim project, we expand our investments in renewables in Brazil considerably and take an important step towards building a solar material portfolio in the country.”

Veronica Coelho, the Country Manager at Equinor Brazil country, said, “Equinor has conducted business in Brazil for over two decades, and we see the country as a core area for safe and sustainable long-term growth.

"We are working to build a diversified energy offering with a robust oil and gas portfolio and an attractive renewables position. Mendubim will be an important milestone for Equinor’s ambitions of being a leading company in the energy transition.”